Bernalillo, NM Attorney News Archive

In a notable case underscoring the alarming rise of political violence, David Peña, a failed candidate from New Mexico, has been sentenced to 80 years in federal prison. This sentence stems from a series of drive-by shootings that targeted the homes of various lawmakers, including Texas state House Speaker Dade Phelan.

The conspiracy took place between late 2022 and early 2023 and was purportedly aimed at intimidating elected officials after Peña's electoral defeat. Prosecutors argued that he acted under the misguided belief that a "rigged" election robbed him of victory. However, his defense attorney, Nicholas Hart, asserts Peña's innocence and claims prosecutorial misconduct played a role in his conviction.

These troubling incidents highlight a broader national trend of increasing hostility towards public officials, particularly noticeable in the wake of the 2020 presidential election. As Peña prepares to appeal his sentence, this case raises critical questions regarding civil unrest and the ethical boundaries surrounding political dissent.